Preservação ambiental e reciclagem de óleos residuais

Growing environmental pollution has raised attitudes by stimulating changes in individual and collective habits that will reflect upon the construction of a new scenario, directed towards sustainable growth. Alternatives to environmental preservation can minimize current health problems and improve quality of life of future generations. Among household residue and food establishments, frying oil is a major cause for damage when directly flushed down the sewer pipes, polluting rivers and complicating water treatment at water cleaning stations. In this article, developed as an extension project, it is proposed to transform the used oil into liquid or soap bars (a process known as saponification) through practical low-cost home procedures as an alternative to environmental preservation. The produced soaps had their characteristics such as foaming capacity, odor and hydrogen potential (pH) measured. The procedures were addressed through lectures and workshops, as well as promotion of these procedures through folders and brochures. The analysis of the filled out questionnaires during the developed activities between August 2007 and July 2008 made possible to conclude that 82% of the workshops participants flushed used oil directly down the drain and 69% expressed commitment of continuing to recycle after the workshop participation. It is estimated that a large audience was reached due to the fact that the procedures were divulged on local TV channels.